He has had to field Simone Pepe as a full-back and 19-year-old youth team player Manuel Giandonato in midfield, while Del Piero partners Amauri up front.

There were doubts over Momo Sissoko due to a muscular problem in training, but he is in the starting XI. Milos Krasic can play, as his two-match ban for diving only applies to Serie A.

Palermo welcome back Miccoli, who has barely featured since undergoing surgery at the end of last season.

His creativity is sorely needed, as Javier Pastore is suspended following his red card in the last round, when CSKA won 3-0 at the Stadio Barbera. Mattia Cassani was expected to start, but is on the bench in favour of Darmian.

The Rosanero are struggling in the Europa League with just three points from as many games. Sparta Prague are on four and CSKA Moscow clear in front with nine.

CSKA have not even got striker Doumbia on the bench, so Tomas Necid partners Vagner Love.